Evaporative cooler or condenser.



PAHTENITED DEC. 29, 1903.

w. H. MILLER. EVAPORATIVE COOLER 0R CONDENSER.

APPLIOATION FILED NOVl 19, 1902.

N0 MODEL.

- iiii WITNESSES:

live. 745L996.

Patented fiecember Q9, 1903.

WARREN H. MILLER,

OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

EVAPORATIVE COOLER OR CONDENSER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of LettersPatemt N 0. 748,296. dated December 29, 1903.

Application filed November 19, 1902. Serial No, 131,969. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, WARREN H. MILLER, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of the cityof NewYork, Stateof New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Evaporative Coolers or Condensers, of which the following is a full, clear, and complete disclosure.

My invention consists in providing any apparatus in which a cooling or condensing actionis required with means for cooling the gases or other fluids used therein by means of the evaporation of water or any other suitable liquid having a comparatively low point of evaporation, whereby the latent heat of evaporation of the evaporative liquid is subtracted from the fluid to be cooled or condensed without any demand upon the cooling effect;- required of the apparatus itself.

My invention consists especiallyin providing means whereby a constant supply of the evaporating fluid is maintained in contact with the pipes to be cooled, completely enveloping the same, and is brought about through the medium of absorbent or capillary action which conveys the cooling liquid from the source of supply.

My invention also consists in providing means for the even and reliable distribution of the evaporative liquid to the ducts carrying the fluid to be cooled without regard to the dilferent motions and positions of the ap paratus as a whole.

For a full, clear, and exact description of my invention reference may be had to the following specification and to the accompanying drawings, forming a part thereof,in which- Figure 1 is an elevation of a complete refrigeratingsystem showing my improved condenser in use in connection therewith. Fig. 2 is a sectional View of one portion of the condenser. Fig. 3 is a plan view of the condenser, showing the ends of two adjacent evaporating-sections and a pipe-joint for supplying evaporating fluid thereto; and Fig. 4 is an elevation of an exterior portion only of another form. t

I shall first proceed to describe the preferred form of my invention.

In the drawings the numeral 1 indicates a compression-pump of any well-known construction which is operated in any usual manner, such as by a crank and pulley connection 2 and 3.

4 indicates a pipe which leads from the compression-pump to the condenser 8.

5 is a pipe leading to the automatic expansion-valve 6, which regulates the supply of the refrigerating fluid to the pipes '7 within the refrigerator-chamberof the system.

Any suitable refrigerating fluid may be employed, such as anhydrous ammonia, carbon dioxid, &c.

The condenser proper comprises the ducts or pipes 8, which are arranged, preferably, parallel to one another and in the same vertical plane or where a number of sections of the condenser are used in several parallel vertical planes. Slightly above the parallel portions of these pipes are arranged the tanks or troughs 9. These tanks or troughs 9 may consist of pipes of sufficient size to convey the amount of fluid desired and have longitudinal openings or slots 9 in their upper portions or may consist merely of angular channels. These slots preferably do not extend entirely to the ends of the tube-section, but stop short of the same within the evaporator portion of the condenser. The water or other evaporative fluid is adapted to be supplied to these tanks in any suitable manner; but I have preferably shown said tanks divided into two sections and the water supplied at the inner or adjacent ends of said sections from a vertical feed-pipe 10, which is connected with the supply-reservoir 11. A Valve 12 is provided in the feed-pipe 10 for regulating the supply of the evaporative fluid. The troughs or tanks 9 are maintained in position adjacent to the pipes 8-to be cooled in a manner hereinafter to be described.

As shown in Fig. l of the drawings, the reservoir is located a sufficient distance above the highest trough or tank to deliver liquid thereto under pressure. By thus delivering the liquid under pressure any uneven, intermittent, or unreliable supply of'the liquid due to inclination or motion of the tanks is obviated; otherwise the pressure corresponding to themere depth of the liquid in the tanks alone would not be suflicient to keep the latter continuously full at all points under variable conditions of position and motion.

The portion of the condenser which provides for the even distribution of the evaporative fluid over the condenser-pipes by means of capillary action is described as follows: The surfaces of the pipes 9 may be covered with one or more thicknesses of a linen fabric known as dimity, which being of very fine mesh or Weave is adapted to very efficiently transmit or carry the evaporative fluid. I

' prefer to use one thickness of dimity, as I find the same entirely sufficient for the requircd result, and even when no fabric is used the capillary action of the metallic covering to be described below is sufficient to maintain an even distribution of the fluid over the surface of the pipe when said covering has once been moistened and its capillary action started. The dimityis preferably attached to a pipe by being sewed or stitched about the same in the form of a snugly and evenly fitting tube, as indicated at 13. Over this covering of dimity is placed a similar covering of metallic filaments either in the form of a continuous winding of wire or of wire-gauze, either of which having very fine interstices-is also capable of very efficient capillary action. This latter covering does not completely inclose the condenser-pipe,

but extends only to within a short distance of the highest point of the upper side thereof, as'in'dicated at 14 in Figs. 2 and 3. The wiregauze then extends upwardly in parallel narrow strips 15.' 1

It will be noticed that the capillary action of the dimity is due .not only to the interstices formed by the fine mesh, but that the fibers forming the threads thereof are cellular in structure and of themselves absorb the liquid, transmitting it from cell to cell throughout all portions of a single thread. The capillary action of the metallic filaments is due only to the interstices between the same, and for this reason the surfaces thereof must be first moistened in order to set up or start the capillary action. It will therefore be seen that the function of the dimity is to start a capillary action about the metallic filaments; but this may also be accomplished when the dimity is omitted by moistening said filaments by hand when the machine is being started. It is also obvious that the covering of dimity or similar fabric may be used without the covering of metallic filaments; but this form is more liable to deterioration, although the evaporative action of the dimity is also very high. In some forms pottery or similar porous material may be usedinstead ofthe coverings above described.

To further aid in the saturation of the coverings and distribution of the evaporating liquid, either of the coverings may be impregnated with any deliquescent material, such as calcium chlorid or sulfuric acid, or any material having a chemical affinity for water. Such material not only aids in the distribution of the evaporative liquid bythe primary absorption of water from the air,

but keeps any portion of the evaporative surface moist in spite of any defect of the action of the capillary material. The deliquescent absorbent material may of itself serve as anevaporative envelop without the use of a capillary or other absorbent covering, and from the factthat the surface of the duct is kept continually moist by reason of such material the distribution of the evaporative liquid over the surface will be constant and even. This chemical absorption acts, in connection with the surface of the duct or pipe, in a manner quite similar to the cellular absorption of a fabric covering, with the additional feature that the initial moisture is subtracted from the adjacent surrounding air. 7

About the wire-gauze covering 14 are placed a plurality of horseshoe-shaped springs 16. These springs extend about the pipes to an extent slightly less than that of the wiregauze and the ends thereof extend upwardly, forming short plates orsupports 17. To these plates or supports are soldered or otherwise attached parallel strips 18, which extend the whole length of one section of the condenser. These strips, together with the upper surface of the condenser-pipe, practically inclose the tank or trough 9, except on its upper side, which is left open so as to allow the drip from the next condenser above tobe caught therein.

The space between the tank or trough 9, the strips 18, and the dimity-covered pipe 8 is filled with an absorbent or porous material, such as absorbent cotton or a material called linen mesh. This linen mesh also extends above the tank 9 and fills the slot in the upper side thereof, so as to be in contact with the water or other fluid contained therein and to produce a hindrance or regulator to the passage of the evaporative fluid, so that the pressure which is required to maintain said tanks full under variable conditions will not cause the liquid to be supplied to the evaporative covering too rapidly; but the latter will seep through the hindering porous material in even quantities through the entire length of the tanks 9 regardless of the differences in motion and level of the same. Preferably the linen mesh does not completely fill said tube; but space is left for a liquid to pass through the same without being hindered by the said material, although this is not essential to the operativeness. By means of a calking-hammer or other device the linen meshis packed tightlyinto theopening of the trough and is thereby given a considerably greater density, which it retains, owing to the gripping or compressing action of the edges of the outlet.

It will be seen that the tanks 9 for the evaporating fluid are held in position relative to the condenser-pipes 8 solely by the springs 16andtheirconnectedstrips 18. Saidsprings also hold the coverings closely about the condenser-pipes 8 and retain the linen mesh or absorbent material in position about thetan ks evaporative covering.

or troughs 9, so that the lower portion thereof contacts with the dimity and the wire-gauze.

A modified form of my condenser, which is in all substantial respects like that shown in Fig. 2, with the exception that the dimity cov-. ering has been omitted, may be used. This form of the condenser will usually have to be started by moistening the surface thereofbefore the capillary action will commence and depends for its action on the capillary actionof the interstices of the gauze when filled with the evaporative liquid.

Fig. 4 shows an elevation of a section of the condenser, which is in all substantial respects similar to that illustrated in Figs. 1, 2, and 3, but which instead of having an outer covering of wire-gauze is provided with convolutions of fine wire, which are wound continu' tomatic expansion'valve 6. ,Here the ,pressure of the cooled gas isrelieved, and the same expands into the pipe 7 of the refrigerating-chamber, after which it is again acted upon by the pump and compressed and then repeats the same cycle of changes. Since the water or other evaporative fluid flows through the pipe 10 or similar supply-pipe into the tanks or troughs 9, the linen mesh 19 or other capillary material is kept continuously saturated with the same, and when said material is in contact with the dimity covering 13 and the wire-gauze .or metallic fibers 14 the liquid is'very quickly distributed, so that it covers evenly the entire SUP. face of all the condenser-pipes without any preliminary moistening. By this means a large surface for evaporation is exposed to the air, and the rate of the evaporative action is therefore very high. Evaporation may also be further increased by the use of suitable means, such as blowers, for creating a draft of air through and around the sections of the condenser, or if said condenser is located upon the outside of a moving vehicle, such as a refrigerator-car, to which my invention is especially adapted, evaporation will be also greatly increased. When used in connection with a refrigerator-car, my condenser is located upon the outside of the same, so that the air through which the car is rapidly moving when traveling may have easy access to all parts of the surface of the Although my improved condenser is particularly adapted for use with refrigerating- 1 machines, yet the same is of great utility and efficiency when used as a condenser with steam-engines, as a cooler for gas or oil engines, and in all places where an excess of heat is desired to be carried away.

1 do not wish to be limited to the exact arrangement and position of parts herein set forth, for the same may be varied in many ways-such as, for instance, that of having the outlet of the tank in the bottom thereof rather than in the top, as suggested in Fig. 6

. and the tanks need not be necessarily'located inthe position shown in regard to the pipes to be cooled.

Other changes in mechanical details may be made Without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention; but

What I claim, and desire to protect by Letters Patent of the United States, is-

l. Acooleror condensercomprisingincombination, ducts for conveying the fluid to be cooled, an envelop of absorbent material covering said ducts, secondary ducts having an opening or openings along the lengths thereof and located adjacent to said firstnamed ducts, means for supplying an evaporative liquid under pressure to the second ary ducts, and absorbent material entering and tightly filling said openings so as to be held firmly therein adapted to convey the confined evaporative liquid from said secondary ducts to said first-named'ducts.

2. Acoolerorcondensercomprisingincombination, pipes for conveying the fluid to be cooled, an envelop of absorbent filaments covering said pipes, tubes having an opening or openings along the lengths thereof and located above saidpipes, means for supplying an evaporative liquid under pressure to said tubes and an absorbent materialentering and tightly filling said openings so as to be held firmly therein and adaptedto convey the confined evaporative liquid to said absorbent filaments.

3. A cooler orcondenser comprising in com;- bination, pipes for conveying the fluid to be cooled, an envelop of absorbent filaments covering said pipes, elongated tanks having an opening or openings along the lengths thereof located above said pipes and an absorbent material entering and tightly filling said openings and adapted to connect said troughs and filamentsand means for supplying an evaporative liquid under pressure to said troughs.

4. A cooler or condenser comprising in combination, pipes for conveying the liquid to be cooled, an envelop of absorbent fabric covering said pipes, a secondary covering of absorbent or capillary material over said fabric, troughs located above said pipes, absorbent or capillary material entering and tightly filling the upper portions of said troughs and adapted to connect said troughs and said coverings, and means for supplying an evaporative liquid under pressure to said troughs.

5. Acoolerorcondensercomprisingin combination pipes for conveying the fluid to be cooled, envelops of metallic filaments covering said pipes, the interstices of said filaments having capillary action, troughs located above said pipes, absorbent or capillary material entering and tightly filling the upper portions of said troughs and adapted to connect said troughs and said metallic filaments and means for supplying an evaporative liquid under pressure to said troughs.

6. Acoolerorcondenser comprising in combination, pipes for conveying the fluid to be cooled, an envelop of dimity covering said pipes, a secondary envelop of wire-gauze over said dimity, troughs located above said pipes, absorbent or capillary material entering and tightly filling the outlets of said troughs and adapted to connect said troughs and said covering and means for supplyingan evaporative liquid under pressure to said troughs.

7. A cooler or condenser comprisingin combination a plurality of sections of pipe located one above the other for conveying the fluid to be cooled, absorbent envelops covering said pipe-sections, ducts located above said sections having openings in their upper portions,

absorbent material filling said openings and connecting said duets with said envelops, coverings for said material open at their upper portions to receive the drip from the adjacent pipe-envelops and means for supplying an evaporative liquid to said ducts.

8. A cooler or condenser comprising in combination, pipes for conveying the fluid to be cooled, an envelop of absorbent fabric covering said pipes, troughs located above said pipes, absorbent material connecting said troughs and said envelop, means for supplying an evaporative liquid to said trough and a covering and supporting means to prevent evaporation from the greater portion of said 1ast-named absorbent material, to hold the same in position and to allow the drip from adjacent pipe to be retained.

9. Acooler or condenser comprisingin combination, pipes for conveying the fluid to be cooled, an envelop of dimity covering said pipes, a secondary envelop of wire-gauze partially covering said dimity, troughs located above said pipes, parallel strips adjacent said troughs and resting upon said pipes, means for retaining said strips and coverings in position, absorbent or capillary material connecting said troughs and said coverings and means for supplying an evaporative liquid to said troughs.

'10. A cooler or condenser comprising in combination, pipes for conveying the fluid to be cooled, an envelop of absorbent fabric covering said pipes, a secondary envelop of wire-gauze partially covering said fabric, troughs located above said pipes, parallel strips adjacent said troughs and contacting with said Wire-gauze, springs for retaining said strips and coverings in position, absorbent or capillary material connecting the interior of said troughs with said coverings and means for supplying an evaporative liquid to said troughs, substantially as described.

11. A cooler or condenser comprising in combination, pipes for conveying the fluid to be cooled, envelops of absorbent fabric covering said pipes, a secondary envelop of wiregauze partially covering said fabric, troughs located above said pipes, parallel strips adjacent said troughs and contacting with said wire gauze, horseshoe shaped springs attached to said strips and inclosing said coverings for retaining said parts in position, absorbent or capillary material connecting the interior of said troughs with said coverings and means for supplying evaporative liquid to said troughs, substantially as described.

In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 4th day of November, A. D. 1902.

WARREN H. MILLER.

Witnesses:

EDW. W. VAILL, J r., CHAS. K. BENNETT. 

